I finally got my mother on the cash back credit card train. She only cares to use one or two credit cards at the most (for now 
) and she already had a Discover It card that is probably older than I am (and I have three daughters!). She applied and was approved for the AARP Credit Card from Chase and used it fairly regularly. Now that the card has moved to Barclays, and the rewards structure has somewhat changed, she would like to replace it with something that earns reasonably well in both dining and gas categories.
I thought I had the perfect card for her in the PNC Cash Rewards Visa Credit Card, but surprisingly (for me, at least) she cannot apply for it given she lives in New York State and PNC doesn't have a footprint in NY. She was unable to apply for it online so I called to inquire if there was a way around the restriction, but, unfortunately, I was told there was not. My first question, though I suspect I already know the answer, is does anyone know a way around the no applications inside NY restriction?
My mother's scores are all well above 800 with maybe on inquiry in the last 12 months so most cards should be within her grasp. She will unlikely be interested in a credit card from a credit union and she is only interested in cash back at this time. I am sure there is additional information I could/should provide, but I cannot think of it at the moment. With everything considered, and if the PNC Cash Rewards Visa Credit Card is no longer an option, what would be the best alternative for her? Any and all suggestions are welcome and greatly appreciated.
PNC is a bank, not a CU so that's odd they wouldn't have geographical restrictions.
A similar thing happened to me. When AARP went from 3% gas and dining (to gas a drug stores), I had to find a new 3% card for dining (for those non-5% quarters). I also wanted to add groceries this time around. So, 3% CB on gas, dining, groceries. I know you said your mom wants fewer cards but it was easiest for me to just keep AARP (3% gas), and add Savor (3% dining, groceries, entertainment, streaming). So, that's an option if she is ok with 2 cards. It does give 3% on 6 different categories, between the 2 cards, so that's nice.
The best CB card I can find that does 3% gas, dining, groceries is the Golden1 CU Platinum Rewards. It looks like they are in Ontario CA. Coincidentally, not far from me. I do not know the geographical restriction, if any, of membership. I have not applied for this card.
https://www.golden1.com/credit-cards-loans/credit-cards
Lastly, turns out I will likely sock drawer the AARP, the Savor (after I earn the welcome bonus), and even my citi DC. Because I recently was approved for the 3% everythging AOD FCU card, which still leaves an ear to ear grin on my face. If your mom is willing to jump through some hoops, it's the best non category CB card out there.
Good luck!
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If her DTI is low, I'd say help her grab the AOD Signature Visa for all around 3%. It's true cash back and the 3% is taken off the statement total every month automatically. Easy Peasey! For sure, there's a few hoops to jump through to get the card, but once she has it, she'll have the best all around cash back card that we know of around here!
As far as PNC, the work around is opening a savings or checking online, wait 6 months and then you can apply for their card products using the phone app,from anywhere. (I used this method personally from CA before the BBVA merger.) As far as being in NY, they *do* have 5 branches in NYC, so I don't see why mom wouldn't be in their foot print.
There's also the Bank of the West Cash Back MC which is 3% Gas, Grocery and Dining, but I'm not sure you could get that one from NY. Rewards redemption is clunky with $25 blocks and their SL's seem to usually be stuck at $3K most of the time.
Amex Blue Cash Everyday is 3% Grocery and 2% gas and 2% Department Stores.
Golden1 CU is geo-restricted to California BTW.
